Ex-soccer player Cristian Chivu is given coaching position by Inter
Inter Taps Cristian Chivu as New Head Coach
Following the crushing 5-0 loss to PSG in the UEFA Champions League final, Inter announces Cristian Chivu as their new coach, replacing Simone Inzaghi. Chivu signs a two-year deal.
Born and bred Romanian, Cristian Chivu played as a defender for Inter for seven years, part of Jose Mourinho's illustrious treble-winning side in 2010. He concluded his playing career at the Serie A club in 2014.
Recalling his earlier coaching venture at Parma, Inter's statement reads, "February 2025 marked Cristian's first opportunity to coach a senior team, leading the Emilians to an impressive escape from relegation. Parma managed 16 points from 13 games under his guidance."
As Chivu steps into his second chapter at Inter, he returns to the Nerazzurri ranks, having stepped up through the youth team ranks and clinching the league title in just his first season in charge.
Shorn of the seasoned coaching experience that Inzaghi brought, the 44-year-old proved his mettle at Parma with a defensive reshuffle. Under his tutelage, Parma conceded a significantly lower number of goals: 13 compared to 27 in the 13 games preceding his arrival.
Riding high on these victories, Parma outclassed the heavyweights, securing wins against Juventus, Bologna, and Atalanta BC while drawing against Inter, Lazio, and Napoli. A critical 0-0 draw by Parma against Napoli on the penultimate matchday provided Inter an opportunity, yet they failed to capitalize, conceding a late penalty and ending the season in second place, resulting in Napoli seizing the title.
Inzaghi, who led Inter to the Scudetto the previous season, ended the 2024-2025 campaign trophyless after losing the Coppa Italia semi-final to rivals AC Milan, and exited the club following the crushing loss to PSG in the Champions League final.
Chivu's first assignment as Inter coach will be the FIFA Club World Cup, kicking off on Tuesday next week with a face-off against Monterrey in Los Angeles, followed by encounters against Urawa Red Diamonds and River Plate in Seattle.
Enrichment Insights:
- During Chivu's brief tenure at Parma, the team won three games, achieved seven draws, and suffered three defeats in the Italian Serie A.
- Chivu made an immediate impact at Parma by shoring up the defense, with the team conceding only 13 goals (compared to 27 in the 13 games preceding his arrival).
- Under Chivu's guidance, Parma put up a strong showing against the bigger sides, defeating Juventus, Bologna, and Atalanta BC while earning draws against Inter, Lazio, and Napoli.
- Chivu had been involved in coaching Inter youth teams, starting with the U14s and progressing to the U17s and U18s before his senior team coaching role.
- Inter is looking to embark on a new cycle, focusing on developing young players under Chivu's leadership.
As a former defender for Inter, Cristian Chivu will now lead the football team as their new coach, having previously coached Parma in the Italian Serie A. Under his guidance at Parma, the team significantly improved their defensive record, conceding only 13 goals compared to 27 in the 13 games before his arrival.
